Monday's thoughts

"How Did We Get It Together?"

One of the most important days in the life of the church is Pentecost. It is called the birthday of the church, and Luke presents it as if it were the coming together of the disciples after Jesus' death on the cross. The disciples were prepared to go about their separate ways. There seemed to be nothing else to do. Jesus had been crucified and there seemed to be no reason to continue. Luke (Acts 2) tells a compelling story of a Jewish celebration 50 days after Passover (Pentecost) when the disciples came together and the Holy Spirit fell upon them and the were so moved by the event that their lives were changed. They began to think of the Risen Christ as the church and they went out to establish churches all over the world. We believe they paid a dear price for their witness. They were martyred for their courageous stand and for their efforts to build the church.

There is another reason to celebrate Sunday, May 11th. This is Mother's Day this year. Pentecost and Mother's Day don't often come on the same Sunday but they do this year.

I am going to try to blend the two celebrations and to deal with what it means to get it together. Mother's Day and Pentecost both represent forces and factors that help get it together.

If you have thoughts on this subject write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you would like to share your thoughts with others you may click on the box below.

It's good to be back home from General Conference and it was great being back at church this Sunday morning (when this report was written).

I look forward to hearing from you.


Charles Schuster